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Financial Times
Oil tankers increase ‘dark’ transits through Strait of Hormuz
Amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, oil tankers are choosing a perilous route along Oman’s coastline, which raises safety concerns about potential collisions. This 'dark transit' practice, utilizing US military support, sees around 15 ships daily navigating the riskier path. While this method enables the movement of crude oil, shipping executives caution that it remains far from pre-conflict shipping volumes, with risk factors increasing due to limited maneuverability in these narrow waters.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizonExecution risk: High
Published 11 Jun 2026, 00:43 UTC5 min read
Visit original article ↗Lead image — Financial Times
Summary
TL;DR
- Approximately 15 tankers per day are using the Omani route, facilitated by US support.
- The practice allows for the continued export of crude oil amid regional tensions.
- Navigational challenges pose risks for colliding vessels in a narrow waterway.
- Concern exists over the potential for accidents due to restricted movement at night.
- Ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman have increased significantly.
Interesting facts
- The Strait of Hormuz has been cut off from about 12 million barrels of oil daily.
- US Central Command provides coordinates and instructions to vessels utilizing the Omani route.